Ableton Forum

Hey all, I have a couple questions I hope someone can help with...

First, I was just wondering what audio/midi hardware everyone is using using Live for live use. At home I'm on an M-Audio Quattro...and while it serves it's purpose here...it's USB and can get bogged down so I'd never trust it while playing out. Also, I'm a Mac user...so I guess that limits some of the help I can get, but any advice is appreciated.

Second, what midi controllers is everyone using when playing out??? I've seen some of those ridiculous concotions by Richie Hawtin and his father.

http://www.richiehawtin.com/index-CTRL.html

I was honestly considering selling my kidney on EBay to get one, but I think I've changed my mind, wisely...though that's debateable. Any suggestions??? I've messed w my Oxygen 8 with it, but I was thinking of something a little more ergonomic...if ya get me. Anyways, thanks ahead of time for any/all advice...

emz

No need to sell kidneys to get a controller like plastikmans!!!
All the resources needed to build one (like he did) are right here:

http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12655

i use a Korg MicroKontrol - after spending some time setting up a template set it works like a treat

mosca

Compaq N610c laptop, Motu 828MK2 and my current midi controller is my touchpad and finger

M audio firewire 410

Novation KS4

Evolution uc-33e

Studio quality monitors

i use an edirol ur80 & an evolution mc225 ,the edirol works really well, the sound is very good & it doesn't use a lot of cpu.the controlers setup are made via usb (the controler setup sofware is a bit weird but the possibilities are endless).
i have at least 10% more cpu power with the edirol than with the quatro.

i am so happy with it,you need to consider this workstation .
http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ur80.html

i second the korg microkontrol

on mac, easy as to set up, and make your own templates for live... heaps of hands on control with 8 knobs/ 8 sliders, and 12 pads to punch out rhythms or trigger scenes, or turn fx on/off or whatever else.

-am

for controlling "live" i use:

doepfer drehbank and regelwerk -- for faders and pots

faderfox lx1- for all the buttons and slots

yamaha dd-11- for live drumming

roland jx8p - as my midi-keyboard

thrustmaster gamepad - for fx-control ( but a lot of other abusing possibilities still waiting to be tested

thanks for all the advice y'all...haven't quite made a decision, but I think i know which way i'm going.

emz

live is being controlled by:
keyfax phat boy
evolution uc-16
doepfer pocket dial
oxygen 8
tr-909 (2nd sequencer)
machinedrum (sequence triggering)
midiman 2x2

live is controlling:
Kenton pro-2000 w/dcb option (midi > cv converter)
roland-
sh-101 (pro-2000)
mc-202 (midified)
tb-303 (sync'd pro-2000)
tr-606 (midified)
tr-727
tr-808 (midified by kenton)
tr-909
juno-60 (pro-2000 dcb option)
korg mono/poly (pro-2000)
vermona drm1
lexicon mpx1
tc electronic dtwo
ensoniq dp/4+

I also automate all the frequency pots/sliders with automation through live. All the gear has cv input options for the filters. So I can do all my sweeps without using my hands. Live sends my automation to the pro-2000 which sends the cv's to the gear.

pretty complex setup, but works flawlessly! Takes tons of strain of the cpu for better things than soft synths and such... I can have about 95% cpu for anything else! so I use tons of cpu heavy vst's. (waves convolution ect...)

whatever you choose, make sure it's fun! that's the most important part.

you can't buy the CTRL-Live controller. you *might* be able to buy the ctrl92 limited edition a&h dj mixer.

i use an oxy8 and uc33e and am plenty happy.
the drehbank and regelwerk are seeexy, but pricey.

I just got a M-Audio Keystation Pro 88. This is the Mac daddy of contollers! If you can scrape up the pennies it's worth the 500 bucks. I also use a Tascam US-224 for audio.

I use the ultimate step sequencer in conjunction with live4: the Almighty Doepfer Schaltwerk

Damn that Pro 88 looks juicy! I may have found my controller. That and a little x-session for DJing. I am so excited I now have to Pee!

clipstick wrote:for controlling "live" i use:

doepfer drehbank and regelwerk -- for faders and pots

faderfox lx1- for all the buttons and slots

yamaha dd-11- for live drumming

roland jx8p - as my midi-keyboard

thrustmaster gamepad - for fx-control ( but a lot of other abusing possibilities still waiting to be tested

is that not a lot of buttons to remember what they all do? 64 pots on the drehbank, 24 faders and 48 buttons on the regelwerk plus a faderfox!!!!! man you must have a photographic memory!